SPIRITED WOMAN NEWSLETTER
Copyright Nancy Mills. All rights reserved.
**************
CONTENTS
* Spirited Woman Quote
* Editor's Spirited Message
* Spirited Woman Q & A - The FENG SHUI DIVA
* Spirited Woman Media Coverage
* Upcoming Spirited Woman Workshops
* Host a Spirited Woman Workshop
* Join the Spirited Woman Club - Get a Free Listing
********************
SPIRITED WOMAN QUOTE
"Your inside eye, your intuitive nature, gives you the answer to most questions of the universe." - Nancy Mills
****************
EDITOR'S MESSAGE
Happy New Year! Welcome to the world of SPIRITED WOMANHOOD.
And what a world it is. Already, 2004 is rockin' and shakin'. I'M SO EXCITED. I've rented an intimate theater for the next SPIRITED WOMAN Workshops in LA. Talk about a dream come true. For months, I've dreamed of holding the workshops on a stage, where the spotlights shine, and spirited women can freely EXPRESS themselves. I urge you to read the workshop section to find out more about these exciting LA events and the other terrific workshops offered through spring. WOW.
The interview this month is terrific too. Robyn Bentley, a.k.a. the FENG SHUI DIVA is not only fun, but she truly knows her stuff. I mean, what better way to kick off the New Year than with a diva who believes in the "divine flow of positive energy?" I mean, you betcha. Upwards and onwards - SPIRITED WOMEN EVERYWHERE.
I'd also like to remind you that the newsletter Listing Board is a GREAT WAY to get the word out on your business, service, whatever. Presently, there are about 1,000 subscribers. A 60-word listing is free if you've taken the workshop and only $15 if you haven't. So, come on, girls, send me those listings! It’s a great opportunity!
The SPIRITED WOMAN newsletter is meant to be fun, informative, and inspirational. Your free monthly tool to stay connected with other spirited women nationwide. I welcome you forwarding this newsletter to ALL your spirited friends.
As always, I would like to thank you for your support, comments enthusiasm, and friendship. YOU inspire me, always. And I genuinely look forward to meeting you (again or for the first time) at a SPIRITED WOMAN Workshop in your city
Nancy Mills
********************
SPIRITED WOMAN Q & A
Robyn Bentley a.k.a. The FENG SHUI DIVA
Let's hear it for the diva! Robyn Bentley is making quite a name for herself as the Feng Shui Diva. She is passionate about what she does as a practitioner of feng shui - the ancient Chinese study of energy balance. And I am thrilled for her.
I met Robyn, who is 42 and lives in Richmond, Virginia, for the first time in 1998 at a yoga retreat in Sedona, Arizona. I instantly liked her quick wit. We bonded - climbing red rocks and such - and we had a lot of laughs when we both realized that our retreat leader was definitely one card short of a yoga deck (long story).
At the time, Robyn was in transition. She was winding down a successful radio career that ranged from being a DJ, radio producer, and promotion direction. She wanted to do more with her life. She just didn't know what. We talked a lot about her studies in the metaphysical world, and how she had an intense interest in it and had studied many forms of it ever since she was seventeen. Well, one synchronistic thing led to another, and soon after the retreat Robyn did make a change.
And what a change it was. Over the years, I've literally watched Robyn evolve into the Feng Shui Diva (with feng shui credentials up the kazoo). She now has an active consultation practice, teaches workshops and classes, is a frequent radio show guest, has written several e-books, has feng shui'd everything from television studios to tiny apartments, and has created a popular website: fengshuidiva.com.
Robyn took a chance and leapt into her dreams. It's been great to see. I think you'll find her fascinating. And what better way to start the new year than to be motivated to unclutter your clutter, move a little energy, and leap toward your dreams, too!
Q. How did you finally make the leap from radio to being the Feng Shui Diva?
A. Well, radio helped me do that. My position was cut out, so I had about six months to decide whether I wanted to stay in radio or start my own business. The older we get in the media the less they want you. I couldn’t see myself being a fifty or sixty year old DJ. That just doesn’t happen. So I thought if I started my own business with something that would give me, as I got older, more respect – since I would have more and more knowledge to give to people - that would be much better than growing old in radio. And from the feng shui work I’d already done, I saw how it changed people’s lives. Being on the radio and making people smile is a nice way to brighten people’s day, but helping them change their life is much better.
A. How did you come up with the name Feng Shui Diva?
Q. Since I have an advertising background I knew it was really important to have a catchy name. When I decided to be a feng shui consultant, one of my goals was to be a radio guest and do interviews on air and send people to my website. I wanted a fun name that would be easy to remember. Feng Shui Diva is what I came up with. And it’s worked! I’ve been a radio guest in five different countries. I was on the BBC in London, in Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, and in the U.S – from Seattle to Miami. I have a great time with DJ’s – some of them joke around with me and some of them don’t, but people go to my website and I can look at the statistic pages and see how many hits I’ve gotten and how many books I’ve sold after a radio interview.
Q. What do you as a feng shui consultant do?
A. I show up at the door and say, "I’m going to go outside and take some compass readings and then I’m going to find out what the energy pattern is in every room in your house." That takes about an hour. Then we start fixing the problems and enhancing the good stuff. I apply the patterns of energy to the floor plan. I see what my client is sleeping in, the compass direction they are sleeping, and the door energy. I write down every cure that my client needs to make the negative not so negative or turn it into positive, and things they can use to enhance positive energy to make it even more positive. Then we go around the house together and look at what’s in each room. They may have things that make them feel bad, like the woman who’s husband was keeping a deer head for his friend, so they've got to look around and see what they’ve got. Having a lot of clutter in your house makes the energy stuck and your life can stay in limbo.
Q. Is there a way for us to find out our best compass directions?
A. Yes. I have a chart on fengshuidiva.com. Just click on "About Feng Shui." There’s a "Best Compass Direction." There are eight of them - north, south, east, west, northeast, southeast, northwest, southwest. Four are positive for you and four are negative. Look up the year you were born and it will show you your "kua" number and you go down to the bottom of the chart and it tells you what your four best directions are and where to put your bed. One direction is for career and money luck, one is for health luck, one is for marriage and family harmony, and one is for wisdom. If you’re looking for love you sleep in the relationship direction. If you want to work on your career you sleep in your money direction, and so forth. If it feels like things aren’t going right for you, you may be holding yourself up by sleeping in a bad direction.
A. Any tips on how we as spirited women can create our own sacred space?
Q. You need to look around at your stuff and see if there is anything that makes you feel a negative emotion – mad, sad, angry, disappointed. It’s your space. When you come home and close that door you should say "Ah, I’m home, not oh-no I’m home." I had a woman in one of my classes, who said that ten years ago her husband came home, sat down at the dining room table and said he’d fallen in love with someone else and wanted a divorce. It devastated her. They divorced and she got the dining room table. She told us that since then, every time she’s had a dinner party, not 20 minutes into it, she gets physically sick! That’s NOT a sacred space. You have to look at what your stuff and clutter does to you. Sometimes we inherit things from our family that we don’t want and we feel guilty about it. That’s NOT a sacred space. You want to push your positive buttons not your negative ones. You don’t have control over the outside world, but you do have total control over your space, what goes in it, and how it can feel. Your home is your haven. It should feel balanced.
Q. Do you have "do-it-yourself" feng shui tips to help us start 2004 with a bang?
A. The most important thing, I try to hammer this home to everybody, is to point your bed the right way. The easiest thing you can do to make sure your life is on track is to point the bed. If you’re in a negative direction, you’re being held back and you don’t want to shoot yourself in the foot. My "Clearing Negative Energy" e-book is a great tool. It gives you tips on tackling clutter, using sage to smudge the house and how to take a fresh look at energy. Ring in the New Year in a positive way. Get yourself aligned. You can do that yourself without me coming over.
Q. Robyn, why do you feel you are a spirited woman?
A. I feel spirited in that I always go for it. When there is something that I want to do or try, I go for it. I’m always studying new things that come in my path, learning about them, figuring out how things in the universe work. Also, I try to be really positive and positive with people and uplifting to people without draining myself. Yes, I know I’m spirited, because I go for it.
THANK YOU ROBYN. MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU.
Robyn would love to hear from you. She welcomes you to log on to her website at fengshuidiva.com or to call her at 804-241-1685. When you go to her website BE SURE to take the Feng Shui Diva's Love Quiz. It's really an eye-opener. And FYI - Robyn has feng shui'd many places long distance - including mine. She primarily works in the Flying Star school of feng shui, but she is proficient in several other schools, such as Traditional Compass & Form, and Western/Black Hat BTB.
***************************
SPIRITED WOMAN MEDIA COVERAGE
What a thrill! What a ride! It looks as though 2004 is going to be a big media year for the SPIRITED WOMAN Workshops. Since the upcoming workshops are being held in such diverse venues as a theater, a health club, a retreat and more, there has been interest from an array of media outlets across the country. Plus Nancy Mills is being asked to do more personal interviews in print, radio, and TV. Great news!
2003 Newspaper/Magazine Media Coverage
The Nashville Scene
UCLA Magazine
Coastal View News
Mail Tribune
Santa Barbara News-Press
Santa Monica Mirror
Southern California Senior Life
The Jewish Journal
The Montecito Journal
The Santa Barbara Independent
Valley Voice
Venice Magazine
Whole Life Times
Nancy Mills' 2003 Radio Interviews:
Northwest Passage, KLCC in Eugene, OR
Healing Arts, Jefferson Public Radio, Ashland, OR
Healing Arts, Wisdom Media, Runs Multiple Times & Internationally
*******************************
UPCOMING SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOPS
Get out your drum, blow a few horns! This is going to be another banner year for the SPIRITED WOMAN Workshops. Who-ee! It’s really catching on. About 200 women have already taken the workshop – and there’s terrific interest for 2004. Lots of repeat attendees. And there is also SPECIAL NEWS regarding the LA workshops. Be sure to check out the workshop calendar listings below and see what's in store.
For more info on the workshops or to sign up for one please call Nancy Mills at her toll free number: 888-428-1234 (in Santa Barbara call 805-698-3555) or e-mail her at: thespiritedwoman@aol.com.
All checks are mailed to: Nancy Mills, P.O. BOX 20042, Santa Barbara, CA 93120.
2004 WINTER/SPRING WORKSHOP CALENDAR
SPECIAL NEWS!!!! FOR LA
For the first time ever, I’ve booked a theater for the SPIRITED WOMAN Workshop. The Black Box Theater in West LA is intimate, delightful, and one of LA’s hidden secrets. We’ll be doing the workshop on the stage. I promise you, it'll be a FANTASTIC experience. Each workshop will be limited to 12 women, and the price is a true bargain at $65. I fully expect the workshops to SELL OUT. My advice is to BOOK NOW so you won’t miss out. Date choices are Feb. 7, Feb. 8, Mar. 20, Mar. 21.
LOS ANGELES
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday Afternoon, February 7, 2004
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: The Black Box Theater, 12420 Santa Monica Blvd., West Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $65
Workshop includes three hours of creative playfulness and growth. Emphasizes your ALIVENESS and reinforces YOU ARE ENOUGH AS YOU ARE. Great for transitions, change, movement. Attendees range from writers/artists/healers to business owners. Led by Nancy Mills, creator of the Spirited Woman Approach to Life. Limited to 12 women.
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday Afternoon, February 8, 2004
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: The Black Box Theater, 12420 Santa Monica Blvd., West Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $65
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Thursday evening, February 19, 2004
Time: 6:30 - 9:30 pm.
Locale: The Retreat Lodge at Mt. Charleston
123 Rainbow Canyon Blvd., Mt. Charleston, NV
Cost: $75
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday afternoon, February 21, 2004
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: The Retreat Lodge at Mt. Charleston
123 Rainbow Canyon Blvd., Mt. Charleston, NV
Cost: $75
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday afternoon, February 22, 2004
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: The Retreat Lodge at Mt. Charleston
123 Rainbow Canyon Blvd., Mt. Charleston, NV
Cost: $75
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA/BULLHEAD CITY, ARIZONA AREA
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Thursday evening, February 26, 2004
Time: 6:30 - 9:30 pm.
Locale: Curves for Women, 5225 Highway 95, Suite 10, Ft. Mohave, AZ
Cost: $75
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday afternoon, February 28, 2004
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: Curves for Women, 5225 Highway 95, Suite 10, Ft. Mohave, AZ
Cost: $75
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday afternoon, February 29, 2004
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: Curves for Women, 5225 Highway 95, Suite 10, Ft. Mohave, AZ
Cost: $75
SANTA BARBARA
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday Afternoon, March 13, 2004
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: Nancy's Cottage (above the El Encanto Hotel)
Cost: $60
LOS ANGELES
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Saturday Afternoon, March 20, 2004
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: The Black Box Theater, 12420 Santa Monica Blvd., West Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $65
SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
Sunday Afternoon, March 21, 2004
Time: 1-4 pm.
Locale: The Black Box Theater, 12420 Santa Monica Blvd., West Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $65
MORE!!! 2004 SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOPS
Goals! Aspirations! Nancy plans to book workshops in the cities listed below for spring/summer. She is also open to your suggestions for other cities and is currently available for speaking engagements.
San Francisco & Bay Area
Denver Area (including Boulder, Colorado Springs)
San Diego
Seattle
New York
TELL A FRIEND ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS.
*****************************
HOST A SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP
In your city.
It's great fun! You'll love it. Anyone who hosts a workshop in their home or business receives a free workshop, great publicity, and a chance to meet other fantabulous women. Since the workshop size is small, most spaces work out ideally. If you'd like to host a workshop outside of Santa Barbara, contact Nancy Mills at 888-428-1234 (in Santa Barbara call 805-698-3555) or e-mail her at: thespiritedwoman@aol.com.
And...this workshop is great for clubs, associations, organizations. For instance, the "Red Hat Club Presents the Spirited Woman Workshop." To talk about sponsoring Nancy for a workshop or a presentation contact Nancy Mills at 888-428-1234 (in Santa Barbara call 805-698-3555) or e-mail her at: thespiritedwoman@aol.com.
AND NOW FOR THE THANKS!!!!!!!
Michaele Harrington of Curves for Women fame, (this is a woman who lost almost100 pounds), is really putting her all into the upcoming SPIRITED WOMAN Workshops in the Laughlin area. Fliers, calls, promotions - she's doing a fantastic job. There's sure to be many spirited women in attendance. Thanks Michaele for your efforts!
Thanks to the many fabulous women who sent holiday greetings. I received e-mails, calls, cards from LA to New Zealand. It meant so much to me. I want to say THANK YOU to one and all for your warm and generous thoughts. Such enthusiasm!
MORE THANKS - To the many wonderful spirited women who attended the workshops in 2003. You were ALL fantabulous and fun.
**********************************
THE SPIRITED WOMAN CLUB - LISTING BOARD
Here's the good news. If you have taken the SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP you are automatically a member of the SPIRITED WOMAN CLUB, and you'll receive a FREE listing (up to 60 words) - monthly. For those of you who have not taken the workshop (come on girls, you need to join the club!) - the listing is only $15 per month per listing. What a great deal!
This listing board is a great way to advertise your service, business, workshop, event or WHATEVER - and to stay connected with other spirited women. Currently, the newsletter reaches about 1,000 women. Think of it as your very own SPIRITED WOMAN DIRECTORY. Be sure to check out what other women are offering and support them! Also, see below HOW TO PLACE A LISTING.
PARLOR PERFORMANCES - Jeannine Frank's "accidental performing arts series" (now in its 15th year!) presents comedy, cabaret, authors, & more in venues around Southern California -- and also books artists nationally for fundraisers, conventions and special events. For free newsletter, more info, contact: Jeannine at frankent1@juno.com.
ALZHEIMER EXPERT – Go to www.brainsproutsmemory.com, click on Alzheimer’s to get info about my work. Also, for purchase, I have a video training tape discussing multi-sensory techniques that work with Alzheimer's loved ones to increase communication and reduce stress, anxiety. The memory methods help regular folks with remembering names, reading material, etc. Vicki Mizel. 323-984-8801
LOVE HUMANITY INDIA - Visit www.lovehumanity.org to discover the dream of one spirited woman of empowering neglected and abused children in India. You can be part of this dream by donating your talents, time or money. Learn how to be a Founding Angel at http://www.lovehumanity.org/founders.html. E-mail/call Louise for more info: louise@lovehumanity.org. 714-420-8218
FREE ANGEL READING - Host an angel party for 10 or more people and receive a free angel reading. The Earth Angels, three psychic-mediums, offer amazingly accurate messages from the other side for audience members. Their prophetic gifts will inspire, empower and wow you. Great entertainment for special events. For details: Laura Lee at angelmessages@earthlink.net. 818-762-1036
NEW SAUCY SISTERS WEB SITE - Like your wine without the pretension? Check out www.saucysisters.com. We'll give you practical tips, wine suggestions for everyday drinking, the recipes to match, and a quirky quiz to test your wine savvy and your sense of humor.
EVERYBODY LOVES CHOCOLATE! - What could be more festive than a chocolate fountain at your next party?! Warm, delicious Belgian chocolate flowing from a free-standing stainless fountain, perfect for dipping berries, cookies, etc. The ultimate dessert, centerpiece, attraction! Why sit and nibble on cake when you can dip and mingle?! To rent contact Betsy, bcrowfoot@thechocolateguy.com. 805-566-1551
OPEN-MIC POETRY READINGS - First Saturday of every month at 7pm. Hosted by Christa Laririt, poet and author of Rose's Collage. Location: Reds Espresso Bar & Gallery, 211 Helena Ave. (corner of Yanonali, one block from State St.). Contact: www.calliopebooks.com. 805-966-5906 or 805-452-1463
RED HAT WOMEN'S GROUP - The OVER THE TOP chapter in Ventura County/Channel Islands area is accepting interesting women who enjoy discussions on all aspects of women's life issues, who like to have FUN and do FUN things. The group is open to women of all ages. Only women 50 yrs. + can wear red hats (younger wear pink hats). Mary Lucid. 805-278-9009
WEBSITE DESIGN & FACE-LIFTS - Future Developments builds affordable professional web sites for businesses of all shapes and sizes or reworks tired old websites. We offer the following services: web design and development, website promotion through Search Engine submissions, website hosting set-up, e-commerce web design, and custom programs. Kathy Houston. 503-223-8708
INTERIOR ALIGNMENT FENG SHUI - Creates a sacred space by incorporating the best of the mystical traditions of the East and the practical methods of the West. Helps you realign stagnant or unhealthy energy and to restore harmony, balance and support in your surroundings. Also accelerates progress toward desired goals and aspirations. Karyn Armstrong, karyn@harmonicspaces.com. 503-525-2521
2004 FANTASY SHOE CALENDAR - Beautiful creative shoe pictures for the woman who loves shoes or 12 months of humor for the rest of us. Each month is printed on photographic paper and is suitable for framing. Designed and hand-embroidered by Margo Von Phul. A great gift when you want something special and unique. PO Box 503, Carpinteria, CA 93104. 805-684-0901
TREAT YOURSELF TO REIKI - Let go of the stress of the day as you become filled with renewed vitality. Reiki is a safe, gentle form of touch and energy work that promotes relaxation and healing. I am a Reiki master and have been a practitioner since 1995. $50/session. Frederica Welch, fhbwelch1@cox.net. 805-962-1969
PIANO LESSONS - Classical and Jazz. Children and Adults. All Levels, All Ages. Now accepting students. My studio or your home. Background piano music for weddings and parties. Nancy Harris Jones, MA, Piano Performance. Member Music Teachers' Assn. of California. Member Music Teachers' National Assn. 805-967-1160
WILD WOMEN OF SANTA BARBARA HANDCRAFTED SCULPTURES - "Wild" combination of glass, wire, clay and beads, the sculpted bodies are fused or lampworked with indivually-stylized details such as glass eyes and beaded hair. Uniquely created by Jo-el Helgesen, renowned jewelry and sculptor designer. 805-686-2417
ITALIAN LESSONS - I am a native Italian and I would like to teach you my beautiful language. For over 18 years, I taught in a private school in Santa Monica. I teach beginners to advanced, grammar/conversation. Laura DeLuca. 805-565-3720
EDITING INTERNATIONAL, LLC - We are award-winning writers, published authors, and dedicated editors who have guided hundreds of writers in achieving their dreams. We provide in-depth critical analysis, editing and consulting on nonfiction and fiction, personal coaching, group instruction, workshops, and insider know-how about approaching literary agents and publishers. Go to www.4-edit.com or contact Candy Davis, cdavis@willamette.net. 541-942-8329
HOW TO PLACE A LISTING
E-mail a 60 word or less description of your listing (word count must include phone number and such) by the last day of each month (i.e., Jan. 31 for February issue) to: thespiritedwoman@aol.com and put "LISTING BOARD" in the subject line.
All past SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP attendees receive ONE FREE listing EACH MONTH. All additional listings are $15 per item per month.
For those of you who have NOT attended the SPIRITED WOMAN WORKSHOP it costs $15 per listing per month. Please follow the above instructions.
Checks for all payable listings are to be received in advance of the next monthly issue (Feb. 1) and sent to: Nancy Mills, P.O. BOX 20042, Santa Barbara, CA 93120.
TO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS NEWSLETTER:
Place "YES I WANT TO SUBSCRIBE" in e-mail subject line. To unsubscribe place "unsubscribe" in e-mail subject line.
****************************
PLEASE FORWARD TO OTHER SPIRITED WOMEN.
Permission is granted to reproduce, copy or distribute the SPIRITED WOMAN newsletter with the understanding that the copyright notice and all the content is to be attributed to Nancy Mills. Copyright Nancy Mills, January 2004. All rights reserved.
THANKS FOR YOUR SPIRIT! SPIRITED WOMEN! AND YOUR SUPPORT!
Comments